IaskedtheLord："Sire，isthistrueWhichhostsoftheologianshold，ThatwhenwecreaturescensureyouForshapinggriefsandailsuntold（Deemingthempunishmentsundue）
Yourage，asMoseswroteofold？
Whenweexclaim：’BeneficentHeisnot，forheorderspain，Or，ifso，notomnipotent：
Toamerechildthethingisplain！’
ThosewhoprofesstorepresentYou，cryout：’Impiousandprofane！’"
He："Savemefrommyfriends，whodeemThatIcarewhatmycreaturessay！
Mouthasyoulist：sneer，rail，blaspheme，Omanikin，thelivelongday，Notonegrief-groanorpleasure-gleamWillyouincreaseortakeaway。
"Whythingsarethus，whosoderides，Maywellremainmysecretstill……
Afourthdimension，saytheguides，Tomatterisconceivable。
ThinksomesuchmysteryresidesWithintheethicofmywill。"
BYTHEBARROWS
NotfarfromMellstock——sotraditionsaith-
Wherebarrows，bulgingastheybosomswereOfMultimammiastretchedsupinelythere，Catchnightandnoonthetempest’swantonbreath，Abattle，desperatedoubtlessuntodeath，Wasonetimefought。Theoutlook，loneandbare，Thetoweringhawkandpassingravenshare，Andalltheuplandroundiscalled"TheHe’th。"
Hereonceawoman，inourmodernage，Foughtsinglehandedlytoshieldachild-
Onenotherown——fromaman’ssenselessrage。
Andtomymindnopatriots’bonestherepiledSoconsecratethesilenceasherdeedOfstoicanddevotedself-unheed。
AWIFEANDANOTHER
"Warends，andhe’sreturningEarly；yea，Theeveningnextto-morrow’s！"-
——ThisIsayToher，whomIsuspiciouslysurvey，Holdingmyhusband’sletterToherview-
Sheglancedatitbutlightly，AndIknewThatonefromhimthatdayhadreachedhertoo。
Therewasnotimeforscruple；
SecretlyIfilchedhermissive，connedit，LearntthatheWouldlodgewithhererehecamehometome。
Toreachtheportbeforeher，And，unscanned，TherewaittointerceptthemSoonIplanned：
That，inherstead，_I_mightbeforehimstand。
Sopurposed，soeffected；
AttheinnAssigned，Ifoundherhidden：-
OthatsinShouldbearwhatsheborewhenIenteredin！
HerheavylidsgrewladenWithdespairs，HerlipsmadesoundlessmovementsUnawares，WhileIpeeredatthechamberhiredastheirs。
Andasbesideitsdoorway，Deadlyhued，Oneinside，onewithoutsideWetwostood，Hecame——myhusband——assheknewhewould。
NopleasurabletriumphWasthatsight！
TheghastlydisappointmentBrokethemquite。
Whatlovewastheirs，tomovethemwithsuchmight！
"Madam，forgiveme！"saidshe，Sorrowbent，"Achild——Isoonshallbearhim……
Yes——ImeantTotellyou——thathewonmeerehewent。"
Then，asitwere，withinmeSomethingsnapped，Asifmysoulhadlargened：
Conscience-capped，Isawmyselfthesnarer——themthetrapped。
"Myhatedies，andIpromise，Grace-beguiled，"
Isaid，"tocareforyou，beReconciled；
Andcherish，andtakeinterestinthechild。"
WithoutmorewordsIpressedhimThroughthedoorWithinwhichshestood，powerlessTosaymore，Andcloseditonthem，anddownstairwardbore。
"Hejoinshiswife——mysister，"
I，below，Remarkedingoing——lightly-
EvenasthoughAllhadcomeright，andwehadarrangeditso……
AsI，myroadretracing，Leftthemfree，ThenightaloneembracingChildlessme，IheldIhadnotstirredGodwrothfully。
THEROMANROAD
TheRomanRoadrunsstraightandbareAsthepaleparting-lineinhairAcrosstheheath。AndthoughtfulmenContrastitsdaysofNowandThen，Anddelve，andmeasure，andcompare；
VisioningonthevacantairHelmedlegionaries，whoproudlyrearTheEagle，astheypaceagainTheRomanRoad。
Butnotallbrass-helmedlegionnaireHauntsitforme。UprisesthereAmother’sformuponmyken，Guidingmyinfantsteps，aswhenWewalkedthatancientthoroughfare，TheRomanRoad。
THEVAMPIRINEFAIR
GilberthadsailedtoIndia’sshore，AndIwasallalone：
MylordcameinatmyopendoorAndsaid，"Ofairestone！"
Heleantupontheslantbureau，Andsighed，"Iamsickforthee！"
"Mylord，"saidI，"prayspeaknotso，SinceweddedwifeIbe。"
Leaningupontheslantbureau，Bitterhisnextwordscame：
"SomuchIknow；andlikewiseknowMyloveburnsonthesame！
"Butsinceyouthrustmyloveaway，Andsinceitknowsnocure，ImustliveoutasbestImayTheachethatIendure。"
WhenMichaelmasbrownedthenetherCoomb，AndWingreenHillabove，Andmadethehollyhocksragsofbloom，Mylordgrewilloflove。
Mylordgrewillwithloveforme；
Gilbertwasfarfromport；
And——soitwas——thattimedidseeMehousedatManorCourt。
AboutthebowersofManorCourtTheprimrosepusheditsheadWhen，onadayatlast，reportArrivedofhimIhadwed。
"Gilbert，mylord，ishomewardbound，Hissloopisdrawingnear，WhatshallIdowhenIamfoundNotinhishousebuthere？"
"OIwillhealtheinjuriesI’vedonetohimandthee。
I’llgivehimmeanstoliveateaseAfarfromShastonb’ry。"
WhenGilbertcamewebothtookthought：
"Sincecomfortandgoodcheer，"
Saidhe，"Soreadilyarebought，He’swelcometothee，Dear。"
SowhenmylordflungliberallyHisgoldinGilbert’shands，IcoaxedandgotmybrothersthreeMadestewardsofhislands。
AndthenIcoaxedhimtoinstallMyotherkithandkin，WithaimtobenefitthemallBeforehisloveranthin。
AndnextIcravedtobepossessedOfplateandjewelsrare。
Hegroaned："Yougiveme，Love，norest，Takeallthelawwillspare！"
AndsoincourseofyearsmywealthBecameagoodlyhoard，Mystewardbrethren，too，bystealthHadeachafortunestored。
Thereafterinthegloomhe’dwalk，AndbyandbybeganTosayaloudinabsenttalk，"Iamaruinedman！-
"Ihardlycouldhavethought，"hesaid，"WhenfirstIlookedonthee，Thatonesosoft，sorosyred，Couldthushavebeggaredme！"
Seeinghisfairestatesinpawn，Andhiminsuchdecline，IknewthathisdomainhadgoneToliftupmeandmine。
NextmonthuponaSundaymornAgunshotsoundednigh：
ByhisownhandmylordlybornHaddoomedhimselftodie。
"Live，mydearlord，andmuchofthineShallberestoredtothee！"
Hesmiled，andsaid’twixtwordandsign，"Alas——thatcannotbe！"
AndwhileIsearchedhiscabinetForletters，keys，orwill，’TwastouchingthathisgazewassetWithloveuponmestill。
AndwhenIburnteachdocumentBeforehisdyingeyes，’TwassweetthathedidnotresentMyfearofcompromise。
Thesteeple-cockgleamedgoldenwhenIwatchedhisspiritgo：
AndIbecamerepentantthenThatIhadwreckedhimso。
Threeweeksatleasthadcomeandgone，Withmanyasaddenedword，BeforeIwrotetoGilbertonThestrokethatsohadstirred。
Andhavingwornamournfulgown，Ijoined，indecentwhile，MyhusbandatadashingtownToliveindashingstyle。
YetthoughInowenjoymyfling，Anddineanddanceanddrive，I’dgivemyprettiestemeraldringToseemylordalive。
Andwhenthemeetonhunting-daysIsnearhischurchyardhome，IleavemybanteringbeauxtoplaceAfloweruponhistomb；
Andsometimessay："PerhapstoolateThesaintsinHeavendeploreThattendertimewhen，movedbyFate，Hedarkedmycottagedoor。"
THEREMINDER
I
WhileIwatchtheChristmasblazePainttheroomwithruddyrays，SomethingmakesmyvisionglideTothefrostysceneoutside。
There，toreacharottingberry，Toilsathrush，——constrainedtoveryDregsoffoodbysharpdistress，Takingsuchwiththankfulness。
Why，Ostarvingbird，whenI
Oneday’sjoywouldjustify，Andputmiseryoutofview，Doyoumakemenoticeyou！
THERAMBLER
Idonotseethehillsaround，Normarkthetintsthecopseswear；
IdonotnotethegrassygroundAndconstellateddaisiesthere。
IhearnotthecontraltonoteOfcuckooshidoneitherhand，Thewhirrthatshakesthenighthawk’sthroatWheneve’sbrownawninghoodstheland。
Somesayeachsongster，tree，andmead-
Alleloquentoflovedivine-
Receivestheirconstantcarefulheed：
Suchkeenappraisementisnotmine。
ThetonesaroundmethatIhear，Theaspects，meanings，shapesIsee，Arethosefarbackonesmissedwhennear，Andnowperceivedtoolatebyme！
NIGHTINTHEOLDHOME
Whenthewastingembersreddenthechimney-breast，AndLife’sbarepathwayloomslikeadeserttracktome，Andfromhallandparlourthelivinghavegonetotheirrest，Myperishedpeoplewhohousedthemherecomebacktome。
Theycomeandseatthemaroundintheirmouldyplaces，Nowandthenbendingtowardsmeaglanceofwistfulness，Astrangeupbraidingsmileuponalltheirfaces，Andinthebearingofeachapassivetristfulness。
"Doyouupholdme，lingeringandlanguishinghere，Apalelateplantofyouroncestrongstock？"Isaytothem；
"AthinkerofcrookedthoughtsuponLifeinthesere，AndonThatwhichconsignsmentonightaftershowingthedaytothem？"
"——OletbetheWherefore！Wefeveredouryearsnotthus：
TakeofLifewhatitgrants，withoutquestion！"theyanswermeseemingly。
"Enjoy，suffer，wait：spreadthetableherefreelylikeus，And，satisfied，placid，unfretting，watchTimeawaybeamingly！"
AFTERTHELASTBREATH
（J。H。1813-1904）
There’snomoretobedone，orfeared，orhoped；
Nonenowneedwatch，speaklow，andlist，andtire；
Noirksomecreaseoutsmoothed，nopillowslopedDoessherequire。
Blanklywegaze。Wearefreetogoorstay；
Ourmorrow’sanxiousplanshavemissedtheiraim；
Whetherweleaveto-nightorwaittilldayCountsasthesame。
TheletteredvesselsofmedicamentsSeemaskingwhereforewehavesetthemhere；
EachpalliativeitssillyfacepresentsAsuselessgear。
Andyetwefeelthatsomethingsavourswell；
Wenoteanumbreliefwithheldbefore；
Ourwell-belovedisprisonerinthecellOfTimenomore。
WeseebylittlesnowthedeftachievementWherebyshehasescapedtheWrongersall，InviewofwhichourmomentarybereavementOutshapesbutsmall。
1904。
INCHILDBED
InthemiddleofthenightMother’sspiritcameandspoketome，Lookingwearifulandwhite-
As’twereuntimelynewsshebroketome。
"Omydaughter，joyedareyouToowntheweetlesschildyoumotherthere；
’Menmaysearchthewideworldthrough，’
Youthink，’norfindsofairanotherthere！’
"Dear，thismidnighttimeunwombsThousandsjustasrareandbeautiful；
ThousandswhomHighHeavenforedoomsTobeasbright，asgood，asdutiful。
"SourceofecstatichopesandfearsAndinnocentmaternalvanity，YourfondexploitbutshapesfortearsNewthoroughfaresinsadhumanity。
"Yetasyoudream，sodreamtI
WhenLifestretchedforthitsmorningraytome；
Otherviewsforbyandby！"……
Suchstrangethingsdidmothersaytome。
THEPINEPLANTERS
（MARTYSOUTH’SREVERIE）
I
WeworkheretogetherInblastandbreeze；
Hefillstheearthin，Iholdthetrees。
HedoesnotnoticeThatwhatIdoKeepsmefrommovingAndchillsmethrough。
HehasseenonefairerIfeelbyhiseye，WhichskimsmeasthoughIwerenotby。
AndsinceshepassedhereHescarcehasknownButthatthewoodlandHoldshimalone。
IhaveworkedherewithhimSincemorningshine，HebusywithhisthoughtsAndIwithmine。
Ihavehelpedhimsomany，Somanydays，ButneverwinanySmallwordofpraise！
ShallInotsightohimThatIworkonGladtobenightohimThoughhopeisgone？
Nay，thoughheneverKnewlovelikemine，I’llbeariteverAndmakenosign！
II
FromthebundleathandhereItakeeachtree，Andsetittostand，hereAlwaystobe；
When，inasecond，AsiffromfearOfLifeunreckonedBeginninghere，ItstartsasighingThroughdayandnight，Thoughwhiletherelying’Twasvoicelessquite。
Itwillsighinthemorning，Willsighatnoon，Atthewinter’swarning，InwaftsofJune；
GrievingthatneverKindFatedecreedItshouldforeverRemainaseed，AndshunthewelterOfthingswithout，UnneedingshelterFromstormanddrought。
Thus，allunknowingForwhomorwhatWesetitgrowingInthisbleakspot，ItstillwillgrievehereThroughoutitstime，Unabletoleavehere，Orchangeitsclime；
OrtellthestoryOfusto-dayWhen，haltandhoary，Wepassaway。
THEDEAR
IploddedtoFairmileHill-top，whereAmaidenonefainwouldguardFromeveryhazardandeverycareAdvancedontheroadsidesward。
IwonderedhowsucceedingsunsWouldshapeherwayfarings，AndwishedsomePowermighttakesuchonesUnderItswardingwings。
ThebusybreezecameupthehillAndsmartenedhercheektored，Andfrizzledherhairtoahaze。Withawill"Good-morning，myDear！"Isaid。
Sheglancedfrommetothefar-offgray，And，withproudseverity，"Good-morningtoyou——thoughImaysayIamnotYOURDear，"quothshe：
"ForIamtheDearofonenothere-
Onefarfromhisnativeland！"-
Andshepassedmeby；andIdidnottryTomakeherunderstand。
1901
ONEWEKNEW
（M。H。1772-1857）
Shetoldhowtheyusedtoformforthecountrydances-
"TheTriumph，""TheNew-riggedShip"-
Tothelightofthegutteringwaxinthepanelledmanses，Andincotstotheblinkofadip。
Shespokeofthewild"poussetting"and"allemanding"
Oncarpet，onoak，andonsod；
Andthetwolongrowsofladiesandgentlemenstanding，Andthefiguresthecouplestrod。
Sheshowedusthespotwherethemaypolewasyearlyplanted，AndwherethebandsmenstoodWhilebreechedandkerchiefedpartnerswhirled，andpantedTochooseeachotherforgood。
Shetoldofthatfar-backdaywhentheylearntastoundedOfthedeathoftheKingofFrance：
OftheTerror；andthenofBonaparte’sunboundedAmbitionandarrogance。
OfhowhisthreatswokewarlikepreparationsAlongthesouthernstrand，AndhoweachnightbroughttremorsandtrepidationsLestmorningshouldseehimland。
ShesaidshehadoftenheardthegibbetcreakingAsitswayedinthelightningflash，Hadcaughtfromtheneighbouringtownasmallchild’sshriekingAtthecart-tailunderthelash……
Withcap-framedfaceandlonggazeintotheembers-
Weseatedaroundherknees-
Shewoulddwellonsuchdeadthemes，notasonewhoremembers，Butratherasonewhosees。
SheseemedoneleftbehindofabandgonedistantSofarthatnotonguecouldhail：
Pastthingsretoldweretoherasthingsexistent，Thingspresentbutasatale。
May20，1902。
SHEHEARSTHESTORM
Therewasatimeinformeryears-
Whilemyroof-treewashis-
WhenIshouldhavebeendistressedbyfearsAtsuchanightasthis！
Ishouldhavemurmuredanxiously，"Theprickingrainstrikescold；
Hisroadisbareofhedgeortree，Andheisgettingold。"
Butnowthefitfulchimney-roar，ThedroneofThorncombetrees，TheFroominflooduponthemoor，ThemudofMellstockLeaze，Thecandleslantingsootywick’d，Thethudsuponthethatch，Theeaves-dropsonthewindowflicked，Theclackinggarden-hatch，Andwhattheymeantowayfarers，Iscarcelyheedormind；
Hehaswonthatstorm-tightroofofhersWhichEarthgrantsallherkind。
AWETNIGHT
Ipacealong，therain-shaftsriddlingme，Mileaftermileoutbythemoorlandway，Andupthehill，andthroughtheewe-leazegrayIntothelane，androundthecornertree；
Where，asmyclothingclamsme，mire-bestarred，Andtheenfeebledlightdiesoutofday，Leavingtheliquidshadestoreign，Isay，"Thisisahardshiptobecalendared！"
Yetsiresofminenowperishedandforgot，Whenworsebeset，ereroadswereshapenhere，Andnightandstormwerefoesindeedtofear，TimesnumberlesshavetrudgedacrossthisspotInsturdymutenessontheirstrenuouslot，Andtakingallsuchtoilsastriflesmere。
BEFORELIFEANDAFTER
Atimetherewas——asonemayguessAndas，indeed，earth’stestimoniestell-
Beforethebirthofconsciousness，Whenallwentwell。
Nonesufferedsickness，love，orloss，Noneknewregret，starvedhope，orheart-burnings；
NonecaredwhatevercrashorcrossBroughtwracktothings。
Ifsomethingceased，notonguebewailed，Ifsomethingwincedandwaned，noheartwaswrung；
Ifbrightnessdimmed，anddarkprevailed，Nosensewasstung。
Butthediseaseoffeelinggermed，Andprimalrightnesstookthetinctofwrong；
ErenescienceshallbereaffirmedHowlong，howlong？
NEWYEAR’SEVE
"Ihavefinishedanotheryear，"saidGod，"Ingrey，green，white，andbrown；
Ihavestrewntheleafuponthesod，Sealedupthewormwithintheclod，Andletthelastsundown。"
"Andwhat’sthegoodofit？"Isaid。
"WhatreasonsmadeyoucallFromformlessvoidthisearthwetread，Whennine-and-ninetycanbereadWhynoughtshouldbeatall？
"Yea，Sire；whyshapedyouus，’whoinThistabernaclegroan’-
Ifeverajoybefoundherein，SuchjoynomanhadwishedtowinIfhehadneverknown！"
Thenhe："Mylabours——logicless-
Youmayexplain；notI：
Sense-sealedIhavewrought，withoutaguessThatIevolvedaConsciousnessToaskforreasonswhy。
"StrangethatephemeralcreatureswhoBymyownorderingare，Shouldseetheshortnessofmyview，UseethictestsIneverknew，Ormadeprovisionfor！"
Hesanktoraptnessasofyore，AndopeningNewYear’sDayWoveitbyroteastheretofore，AndwentonworkingevermoreInhisunweetingway。
1906。
GOD’SEDUCATION
IsawhimstealthelightawayThathauntedinhereye：
ItwentsogentlynonecouldsayMorethanthatitwasthereonedayAndmissingby-and-by。
Iwatchedherlonger，andhestoleHerlilytinctsandrose；
AllheryoungsprightlinessofsoulNextfellbeneathhiscoldcontrol，Anddisappearedlikethose。
Iasked："Whydoyouserveherso？
Doyou，forsomegladday，Hoardthesehersweets——？"Hesaid，"Ono，Theycharmnotme；IbidTimethrowThemcarelesslyaway。"
SaidI："Wecallthatcruelty-
We，yourpoormortalkind。"
Hemused。"Thethoughtisnewtome。
Forsooth，thoughImen’smasterbe，Theirsistheteachingmind！"
TOSINCERITY
Osweetsincerity！-
WheremodernmethodsbeWhatscopeforthineandthee？
Lifemaybesadpastsaying，Itsgreensforevergraying，Itsfaithstodustdecaying；
Andyouthmayhaveforeknownit，Andriperseasonsshownit，Butcustomcries："Disownit：
"Sayyerejoice，thoughgrieving，Believe，whileunbelieving，Behold，withoutperceiving！"-
Yet，wouldmenlookattruethings，Andunilludedviewthings，Andcounttobearunduethings，Therealmightmendtheseeming，Factsbettertheirforedeeming，AndLifeitsdisesteeming。
February1899。
PANTHERA
（Forotherformsofthislegend——firstmetwithinthesecondcentury——seeOrigencontraCelsum；theTalmud；SepherToldothJeschu；quotedfragmentsoflostApocryphalgospels；Strauss，Haeckel；etc。）
Yea，asIsithere，crutched，andcricked，andbent，IthinkofPanthera，whounderwentMuchfrominsidiousachesinhisdecline；
Buthisacheswerenotradicallikemine；
Theywerethetwingesofoldwounds——thefeelOfthehandhehadlost，shornbybarbariansteel，Whichcameback，sohesaid，atachangeintheair，Fingersandall，asifitstillwerethere。
Mypainsareotherwise：upclosingcrampsAndstiffenedtendonsfromthiscountry’sdamps，WherePantherawasnevercommandant-
TheFatessenthimbywayoftheLevant。
Hehadbeenblitheinhisyoungmanhood’stime，Andascenturioncarriedwellhisprime。
InEthiop，Araby，climesfairandfell，Hehadseenserviceandhadbornehimwell。
Noughtshookhimthen：hewassereneasbrave；
Yetlaterknewsomeshocks，andwouldgrowgraveWhenponderingthem；shockslessofcorporalkindThanphantom-like，thatdisarrangedhismind；
Anditwasinthewayofwarningme（Bymuchhisjunior）againstlevityThatherecountedthem；andoneinchiefPantheralovedtosetinboldrelief。
ThiswasatragedyofhisEasterndays，Personalintouch——thoughIhavesometimesthoughtThattouchapossibledelusion——wroughtOfhalf-convictioncarriedtoacraze-
Hismindatlastbeingstressedbyailsandage：-
YethisgoodfaiththereonIwellcouldwage。
IhadsaiditlonghadbeenawishwithmeThatImightleaveascion——somesmalltreeAschannelformysap，ifnotmyname-
Ay，offspringevenofnolegitimateclaim，InwhoseadvanceIsecretlycouldjoy。
Thereathewarned。
"Cancelsuchwishes，boy！
Asonmaybeacomfortoracurse，Aseer，adoer，acoward，afool；yea，worse-
Acriminal……ThatIcouldtestify！"
"Pantherahasnoguiltyson！"criedI
Allunbelieving。"Friend，youdonotknow，"
Hedarklydropt："True，I’venonenowtoshow，ForTHELAWTOOKHIM。Ay，insooth，Joveshapeditso！"
"Thisnoonisnotunlike，"heagainbegan，"Thenoontheseprickingmemoriesprintonme-
Yea，thatday，whenthesungrewcopper-red，AndIservedinJudaea……’TwasadateOfrestforarms。ThePaxRomanaruled，Tothechagrinoffrontierlegionaries！
Palestinewasannexed——thoughsullenyet，-
I，beinginagesometwo-scoreyearsandtenAndhavingthegarrisoninJerusalemPartinmyhandsasactingofficerUndertheGovernor。AtedioustimeIfoundit，ofroutine，amidafolkRestless，contentless，andirascible-
Quellingsomeriot，sentryingcourtandhall，Sendingmenforthonpublicmeeting-daysTomaintainorder，weremydutiesthere。
"Thencameamorninspring，andthecheerfulsunWhitenedthecityandthehillsaround，Andeverymountain-roadthatclamberedthem，Tincturingthegreynessoftheoliveswarm，Andtherankcactiroundthevalley’ssides。
Thedaywasonewhereondeath-penaltiesWereputinforce，andhereandthereweresetThesoldieryfororder，asIsaid，Sinceoneofthecondemnedhadraisedsomeheat，Andcrowdssurgedpassionatelytoseehimslain。
I，mountedonaCappadocianhorse，Withsomehalf-companyofauxiliaries，HadcaptainedtheprocessionthroughthestreetsWhenitcamestreamingfromthejudgment-hallAftertheverdictsoftheGovernor。
ItdrewtothegreatgateofthenorthernwayThatbearstowardsDamascus；andtoaknollUponthecommon，justbeyondthewalls-
WhencecouldbesweptawidehorizonroundOverthehousetopstotheremotestheights。
Herewasthepublicexecution-groundForcitycrimes，calledthenanddoubtlessnowGolgotha，Kranion，orCalvaria。
"Theusualdoomsweredulymetedout；
Somethreeorfourwerestript，transfixed，andnailed，Andnogreatstiroccurred。AdayofwontItwastome，sofar，andwouldhaveslidCleanfrommymemoryatitssqualidcloseButforanincidentthatfollowedthese。
"Amongthetag-ragrabbleofeithersexThathungaroundthewretchesastheywrithed，Tillthrustbackbyourspears，oneheldmyeye-
Aweepingwoman，whosestrainedcountenance，Sharpenedagainstaloominglividcloud，Wasmockedbythecruderaysofafternoon-
ThemotherofoneofthosewhosufferedthereIhadheardhercalledwhenspokenroughlytoBymyrangedmenforpressingforwardso。
ItstoleuponmeherswasafaceIknew；
Yetwhen，orhow，Ihadknownit，forawhileEludedme。Andthenatonceitcame。
"SomethirtyyearsormorebeforethatnoonIwassub-captainofacompanyDrawnfromthelegionofCalabria，ThatmarchedupfromJudaeanorthtoTyre。
WehadpiercedtheoldflatcountryofJezreel，ThegreatEsdraelonPlainandfighting-floorOfJewwithCanaanite，andwiththehostOfPharaoh-Necho，kingofEgypt，metWhilecrossingtheretostriketheAssyrianpride。
WeleftbehindGilboa；passedbyNain；
TillbulgingTaborrose，embossedtothetopWitharbute，terabinth，andlocustgrowths。
"Encumberingmeweresundrysick，sofallenThroughdrinkingfromaswampbesidetheway；
Butwepressedon，till，bearingoveraridge，Wediptintoaworldofpleasantness-
Avale，thefairestIhadgazedupon-
WhichlappedavillageonitsfurthestslopesCalledNazareth，brimmedroundbyuplandsnigh。
Inthemidstthereofafountainbubbled，where，Lime-dryfrommarching，ourgladhaltwemadeTorestoursickones，andrefreshusall。
"Hereadayonward，towardstheeventide，OurmenwerepipingtoaPyrrhicdanceTrodbytheircomrades，whentheyoungwomencameTofilltheirpitchers，astheircustomwas。
Iprofferedhelptoone——aslimgirl，coyEvenasafawn，meek，andasinnocent。
Herlongbluegown，thestringofsilvercoinsThathungdownbyherbandedbeautifulhair，Symboledinfullimmaculatemodesty。
"Well，Iwasyoung，andhot，andreadilystirredToquickdesire。’TwastedioustimingoutTheconvalescenceofthesoldiery；
AndIbeguiledthelongandemptydaysByblissfulyieldancetohersweetallure，Whohadnoarts，butwhatout-artedall，Thetremuloustendercharmoftrustfulness。
Wemet，andmet，andunderthewinkingstarsThatpassedwhichpeoplesearth——trueunion，yea，Tothepureeyeofhersimplicity。
"Meanwhilethesickfoundhealth；andweprickedon。
Imadehernorashpromiseofreturn，Assomedouse；Iwassincereinthat；
Isaidwesunderednevertomeetagain-
AndyetIspokeuntruthunknowingly！-
Formeetagainwedid。Now，guessyouaught？
TheweepingmotheronCalvariaWassheIhadknown——albeitthattimeandtearsHadwastedrudelyheronceflowerlikeform，Andhersofteyes，nowswollenwithsorrowing。
"ThoughIbetrayedsomequalms，shemarkedmenot；
AndIwasscarceofmoodtocomradeherAndclosethesilenceofsowideatimeToclaimamalefactorasmyson-
（ForsoIguessedhim）。AndinquirymadeBroughtrumourhowatNazarethlongbeforeAnoldmanweddedherforpity’ssakeOnfindingshehadgrownpregnant，noneknewhow，Caredforherchild，andlovedhertillhedied。
"Well；thereitended；savethatthenIlearntThathe——themanwhoseardentbloodwasmine-
HadwakedseditionlongamongtheJews，Andhurledinsultingparlanceattheirgod，Whosetemplebulkedupontheadjoininghill，Vowingthathewouldrazeit，thathimselfWasgodasgreatashewhomtheyadored，Andbydescent，moreover，wastheirking；
Withsundryotherincitementstomisrule。
"Theimpalementsdone，anddonethesoldiers’gameOfrafflingfortheclothes，alegionary，Longinus，piercedtheyoungmanwithhislanceAtsignsfromme，movedbyhisagoniesThroughnaysayingthedrugtheyhadofferedhim。
Itbroughttheend。AndwhenhehadbreathedhislastThewomanwent。Isawherneveragain……
Nowglaresmymoodymeaningonyou，friend？-
ThatwhenyoutalkofoffspringassheerjoySotrustingly，youblinkcontingencies。
ForsFortuna！HewhogoesfatheringGivesfrightfulhostagestohazardry！"
ThusPanthera’stale。’Twasoneheseldomtold，Butyetitgotabroad。Hewouldunfold，Atothertimes，astoryoflessgloom，Thoughhiswasnotaheartwherejestshadroom。
HewouldregretdiscoveryofthetruthWasmadetoolatetoinfluencetoruthTheProcuratorwhohadcondemnedhisson——
Orratherhimsodeemed。FortherewasnoneToprovethatPantheraerrednot：andindeed，WhenvaguenessofidentityIwouldplead，Pantherhimselfwouldsometimesownasmuch-
Yetlothly。But，assumingfactwassuch，ThatthesaidwomandidnotrecognizeHerlover’sface，ismatterforsurprise。
However，there’shistale，fantasyorotherwise。
ThereaftershonenotmenofPanthera’skind：
Theindolentheadsathomewereill-inclinedTopresscampaigningthatwouldhoistthestarOftheirlieutenantsvalorousafar。
Jealousieskepthimirkedabroad，controlledAndstintedbyanEmpirenomorebold。
Yetinsomeactionssouthwardhehadshare-
InMauretaniaandNumidia；thereWitheagleeye，andswordandsteedandspur，Quellinguprisingspromptly。SomesmallstirInParthianextengagedhim，untilmaimed，AsIhavesaid；andcynicTimeproclaimedHisnoblespiritbroken。WhatawasteOfsuchaRoman！——oneinyouth-timegracedWithindescribablecharm，soIhaveheard，Yea，magnetismimpossibletowordWhenfalteringasIsawhim。Whatafame，OSonofSaturn，hadadornedhisname，MighttheThreesohaveurgedThee！——HourbyhourHisowndisordershamperedPanthera’spowerTobrooduponthefateofthosehehadknown，Evenofthatonehealwayscalledhisown-
Eitherinmorbiddreamormemory……
Hediedatnogreatage，untroublously，Anexitrareforardentsoldierssuchashe。
THEUNBORN
Iroseatnight，andvisitedTheCaveoftheUnborn：
AndcrowdingshapessurroundedmeFortidingsofthelifetobe，WholonghadprayedthesilentHeadTohasteitsadventmorn。
Theireyeswerelitwithartlesstrust，Hopethrilledtheireverytone；
"Ascenetheloveliest，isitnot？
Apuredelight，abeauty-spotWhereallisgentle，trueandjust，Anddarknessisunknown？"
Myheartwasanguishedfortheirsake，Icouldnotframeaword；
Andtheydescriedmysunkenface，Andseemedtoreadtherein，andtraceThenewsthatpitywouldnotbreak，Nortruthleaveunaverred。
AndasIsilentlyretiredIturnedandwatchedthemstill，Andtheycamehelter-skelterout，DrivenforwardlikearabbleroutIntotheworldtheyhadsodesiredBytheall-immanentWill。
1905。
THEMANHEKILLED
"HadheandIbutmetBysomeoldancientinn，WeshouldhavesatusdowntowetRightmanyanipperkin！
"Butrangedasinfantry，Andstaringfacetoface，Ishotathimasheatme，Andkilledhiminhisplace。
"Ishothimdeadbecause-
Becausehewasmyfoe，Justso：myfoeofcoursehewas；
That’sclearenough；although"Hethoughthe’d’list，perhaps，Off-handlike——justasI-
Wasoutofwork——hadsoldhistraps-
Nootherreasonwhy。
"Yes；quaintandcuriouswaris！
YoushootafellowdownYou’dtreatifmetwhereanybaris，Orhelptohalf-a-crown。"
1902。
GEOGRAPHICALKNOWLEDGE
（AMEMORYOFCHRISTIANAC-）
WhereBlackmoorwas，theroadthatledToBath，shecouldnotshow，NorpointtheskythatoverspreadTownstenmilesofforso。
ButthatCalcuttastoodthisway，CapeHorntherefiguredfell，ThatherewasBoston，hereBombay，Shecoulddeclarefullwell。
LessknowntoherthetrackathwartFroomMeadorYell’hamWoodThanhowtomakesomeAustralportInseasofsurlymood。
ShesawtheglintofGuinea’sshoreBehindtheplum-treenigh，HeardoldunrulyBiscay’sroarIntheweir’spurlhardby……
"Myson’sasailor，andheknowsAllseasandmanylands，Andwhenhe’shomehepointsandshowsEachcountrywhereitstands。
"He’snowjustthere——byGib’shighrock-
Andwhenhegets，yousee，ToPortsmouthhere，behindtheclock，Thenhe’llcomebacktome！"
ONERALPHBLOSSOMSOLILOQUIZES
（"Itbeingdeposedthatvijwomenwhoweremaydsbeforeheknewthemhavebeenbroughtuponthetowne[rates？]bythefornicacionsofoneRalphBlossom，MrMajorinquiredwhyheshouldnotcontributexivpenceweeklytowardtheirmayntenance。ButitbeingshewnthatthesaydR。B。wasdyingofapurplefeaver，noorderwasmade。"——BudmouthBoroughMinutes：16——。）
WhenIaminhellorsomesuchplace，A-groaningovermysorrycase，WhatwillthosesevenwomensaytomeWho，whenIcoaxedthem，answered"Aye"tome？
"Ididnotunderstandyoursign！"
WillbethewordsofCaroline；
WhileJanewillcry，"IfI’dhadproofofyou，Ishouldhavelearnttoholdaloofofyou！"
"Iwon’treproach：itwastobe！"
WilldrylymurmurCicely；
AndRosa："Ifeelnohostility，ForImustownIlentfacility。"
Lizzysays："Sharpwasmyregret，Andsometimesitisnow！ButyetIjoythat，thoughitbroughtnotoriousness，IknewLoveonceandallitsgloriousness！"
SaysPatience："Whyareweapart？
Smallharmdidyou，mypoorSweetHeart！
Amanchildborn，nowtallandbeautiful，Wasworththeacheofdaysundutiful。"
AndAnnecries："Othetimewasfair，Sowhereforeshouldyouburndownthere？
Thereisadeedunderthesun，myLove，Andthatwasours。What’sdoneisdone，myLove。
ThesetrumpetshereinHeavenaredumbtomeWithyouaway。Dear，come，Ocometome！"
THENOBLELADY’STALE
（circa1790）
I
"Wemovedwithpensivepaces，Iandhe，AndbentourfadedfacesWistfully，Forsomethingtroubledhim，andtroubledme。
"ThelanthornfeeblylightenedOurgreyhall，WhereancientbrandshadbrightenedHearthandwall，Andshapeslongvanishedwhithervanishall。
"’Owhy，Love，nightly，daily，’
Ihadsaid，’Dostsigh，andsmilesopalely，AsifshedWereallLife’sblossoms，allitsdearthingsdead？’
"’Sincesilencesetstheegrieving，’
Hereplied，’AndIabhordeceivingOnesotried，Why，Love，I’llspeak，eretimeustwaindivide。’
"Heheldme，Iremember，JustaswhenOurlifewasJune——（SeptemberItwasthen）；
Andwewalkedon，untilhespokeagain。
"’Susie，anIrishmummer，Loud-acclaimedThroughthegayLondonsummer，WasI；namedAmasterinmyart，whowouldbefamed。
"’Butlo，therebeamedbeforemeLadySu；
God’saltar-vowshesworemeWhennoneknew，AndforhersakeIbadethesockadieu。
"’MyLordyourfather’spardonThusIwon：
HelethisheartunhardenTowardshisson，Andhonourablycondonedwhatwehaddone；
"’Butsaid——recallyou，dearest？-
AsforSu，I’dseeher——ay，thoughnearestMeunto-
Soonerentombedthaninastagepurlieu！
"’Justso。——Andherehehousedus，Inthisnook，WhereLovelikebalmhasdrowsedus：
Robin，rook，Ourchieffamiliars，nexttostringandbook。
"’Ourdayshere，peace-enshrouded，FollowedstrangeTheoldstage-joyance，crowded，Richinrange；
Butneverdidmysouldesireachange，"’Tillnow，whenfaruncertainLipsofyoreCall，callmetothecurtain，Thereoncemore，ButONCE，totreadtheboardsItrodbefore。
"’Anight——thelastandsingleEreIdie-
Tofacethelights，tomingleAsdidI
Onceinthegame，andriveteveryeye！’
"’Tosomethingdrear，distressingAstheknellOfallhopesworthpossessing！’……
——WhatbefellSeemedlinkedwithme，buthowIcouldnottell。
"Hourspassed；tillIimploredhim，AsheknewHowfaithandfranknesstowardhimRuledmethrough，TosaywhatillIhaddone，andcouldundo。
"’FAITH——FRANKNESS。Ah！Heavensavesuch！’
Murmuredhe，’Theyareweddedwealth！_I_gavesuchLiberally，Butyou，Dear，not。Foryoususpectedme。’
"IwasaboutbeseechingInhurthasteMoremeaning，whenhe，reachingTomywaist，Ledmetopacethehallasoncewepaced。
"’InevermeanttodrawyouToownall，’
Declaredhe。’But——ISAWyou-
Bythewall，Half-hid。AndthatwaswhyIfailedwithal！’
"’Where？when？’saidI——’Why，nighme，AttheplayThatnight。Thatyoushouldspyme，Doubtmyfay，Andfollow，furtive，tookmyheartaway！’
"ThatIhadneverbeenthere，ButhadgoneTomylockedroom——unseenthere，Curtainsdrawn，Longdaysabiding——toldI，wonder-wan。
"’Nay，’twasyourformandvesture，Cloakandgown，Yourhoodedfeatures——gestureHalfinfrown，Thatfacedme，pale，’heurged，’thatnightintown。
"’Andwhen，outside，IhandedToherchair（AscourtesydemandedOfmethere）
Theleadinglady，youpeepedfromthestair。
"StraightpleadedI：’Forsooth，Love，HadIgone，Imusthavebeenintruth，Love，MadtodonSuchwell-knownraiment。’Buthestillwenton"ThathewasnotmistakenNormisled-
Ifeltlikeoneforsaken，Wishedmedead，Thathecouldthinkthusofthewifehehadwed！
"HisgoingseemedtowastehimLikeacurse，Towreckwhatoncehadgracedhim；
And，averseTomyapproach，hemused，andmoped，andworse。
"Till，whatnowordseffectedThoughtachieved：
ITWASMYWRAITH——projected，Heconceived，Thither，bymytensebrainathomeaggrieved。
"ThereonhiscredencecentredTillhedied；
And，nomoretempted，enteredSanctified，Thelittlevaultwithroomforonebeside。"
III
Thusfarthelady’sstory-
Nowshe，too，ReclineswithinthathoaryLastdarkmewInMellstockQuirewithhimshelovedsotrue。
Ayellowingmarble，placedthereTablet-wise，AndtwojoinedheartsenchasedthereMeettheeyes；
Andreadingtheirtwinnameswemoralize：
Didshe，wewonder，followJealously？
Andwerethoseprotestshollow？-
OrsawheSomesemblantdame？Orcanwraithsreallybe？
Wereitshewent，herhonour，Allmayhold，PressedtruthatlastuponherTillshetold-
（Himonly——othersastheselinesunfold。）
Riddledeath-sealedforever，Letitrest！……
One’sheartcouldblameherneverIfoneguessedThatgoshedid。Sheknewheractorbest。
UNREALIZED
Downcomesthewinterrain-
Spoilsmyhatandbow-
Runsintothepollofme；
Butmotherwon’tknow。
We’vebeenoutandcaughtacold，Knee-deepinsnow；
SuchaluckythingitisThatmotherwon’tknow！
Rosylostherselflastnight-
Couldn’ttellwheretogo。
Yes——itratherfrightenedher，Butmotherdidn’tknow。
SomebodymadeWillydrunkAttheChristmasshow：
O’twasfun！It’swellforhimThatmotherwon’tknow！
Howsoeverwildweare，Lateatschoolorslow，Motherwon’tbecrosswithus，Motherwon’tknow。
Howwecriedthedayshedied！
Neighbourswhisperinglow……
Butwenowdowhatwewill-
Motherwon’tknow。
WAGTAILANDBABY
Ababywatchedaford，wheretoAwagtailcamefordrinking；
Ablaringbullwentwadingthrough，Thewagtailshowednoshrinking。
Astallionsplashedhiswayacross，Thebirdienearlysinking；
Hegavehisplumesatwitchandtoss，Andheldhisownunblinking。
NextsawthebabyroundthespotAmongrelslowlyslinking；
Thewagtailgazed，butfalterednotIndipandsipandprinking。
Aperfectgentlemanthenneared；
Thewagtail，inawinking，Withterrorroseanddisappeared；
Thebabyfella-thinking。
ABERDEEN
（April：1905）
"Andwisdomandknowledgeshallbethestabilityofthytimes。"——Isaiahxxxiii。6。
Ilookedandthought，"AllistoograyandcoldTowakemyplace-enthusiasmsofold！"
Tillavoicepassed："BehindthatgranitemienLurkstheimposingbeautyofaQueen。"
Ilookedanew；andsawtheradiantformOfHerwhosoothesinstress，whosteersinstorm，OnthegraveinfluenceofwhoseeyessublimeMencountforthestabilityofthetime。
GEORGEMEREDITH
1828-1909
Fortyyearsback，whenmuchhadplaceThatsincehasperishedoutofmind，Iheardthatvoiceandsawthatface。
HespokeasoneafootwillwindAmorninghorneremenawake；
Hisnotewastrenchant，turningkind。
HewasofthosewhosewitcanshakeAndriddletotheverycoreThecounterfeitsthatTimewillbreak……
Oflate，whenwetwometoncemore，TheluminouscountenanceandrareShonejustasfortyyearsbefore。
Sothat，whennowalltonguesdeclareHisshapeunseenbyhisgreenhill，Iscarcebelievehesitsnotthere。
Nomatter。FurtherandfurtherstillThroughtheworld’svaporousvitiateairHiswordswingon——aslivewordswill。
May1909。
YELL’HAM-WOOD’SSTORY
Coomb-FirtreessaythatLifeisamoan，AndClyffe-hillClumpsays"Yea！"
ButYell’hamsaysathingofitsown：
It’snot"Gray，grayIsLifealway！"
ThatYell’hamsays，NorthatLifeisforendsunknown。
ItsaysthatLifewouldsignifyAthwartedpurposing：
Thatwecometolive，andarecalledtodie，Yes，that’sthethingInfall，inspring，ThatYell’hamsays：-
"Lifeoffers——todeny！"
1902。
AYOUNGMAN’SEPIGRAMONEXISTENCE
Asenselessschool，wherewemustgiveOurlivesthatwemaylearntolive！
AdoltishewhomemorizesLessonsthatleavenotimeforprizes。
16W。P。V。，1866。
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